Marielle Smith (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I hope there weren't too many people watching at home this question time because it was pretty extraordinary that, in the midst of conflict in the Middle East, in the midst of extraordinary pressures facing Australians, the first-order question from the opposition—the biggest concern on their minds—was the composition of this place and what it means for the Liberal Party, followed by a question on the inflationary impact of a policy that the Liberal Party apparently supports and claims to own—and that's from the same Liberal Party that took to the election higher debts, bigger deficits and greater taxes. Then they finished off with a question about the number of jerry cans at Bunnings.

To be clear, if there are people who watch question time at home, this is the largest global shock to energy markets since the 1970s. It could not be more serious. Twenty per cent of the global supply of oil and 70 per cent of oil coming to our region has been affected. The fact is these are uncertain times. They are difficult times for many Australians. I've spoken to many people in my community over the past few days who have shared their anxiety with me and who are thinking about changing plans or cancelling holidays; they're readjusting family budgets and feeling very uncertain about what lies ahead. Those opposite can show those people respect by showing up here seriously—not coming to question time with a first-order question concerned about the future of their place here and the composition of Liberal seats in this parliament but showing up here and putting a first question on the economy and on the very distressing times our country, and indeed the globe, is facing in this fuel security challenge.

We know the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing petrol prices to rise, which is being felt by many people, including families, farmers and small businesses, and it is impossible to predict what will happen next. But our government is taking responsible action. We are coordinating nationally with the states and territories, and we are doing what we can to ensure Australians get a fair go. We're doing what we can to get more fuel here and to get fuel to those who need it.

Just this week the Prime Minister convened a second National Cabinet meeting since the conflict began, and we've taken swift action on fuel across the board, including, as we've heard today, halving the fuel excise for diesel and petrol for three months. We've announced a cut to the heavy vehicle road user charge, to zero for three months. We've passed new laws to double penalties for petrol companies price gouging. We've appointed a national fuel supply taskforce coordinator. We've released 20 per cent of Australia's fuel reserves targeted at regional areas. We've temporarily changed petrol and diesel standards to get more fuel flowing. We've changed diesel standards so Australia's refineries can supply more diesel. We've tasked the ACCC with ramping up fuel price monitoring and issuing on-the-spot fines. We've made it easier for Australia's refineries to access government funding when they run at a loss. We've engaged with international partners to keep supply flowing. We've engaged with the states and territories on supply and distribution, including holding a special energy ministers meeting and activating the National Coordination Mechanism, which has met twice. And we've unlocked $2 million in financial counselling funding for impacted farmers. That's not to mention the legislation that we've seen come through this chamber this week and through the House of Representatives as well.

That's what it looks like to show up seriously for our communities, who are concerned in the midst of the challenge we're facing in light of this Middle Eastern conflict. We're not coming in here with questions about your own future and the composition of this place. We're showing up seriously, asking serious questions and taking serious action which takes these concerns seriously.